It’s no secret that today we are living and working longer than ever before, thanks to advances in science, medicine, and technology. What’s less well known, however, is the impact of an aging population on the workplace—specifically, the increasing number of working caregivers, many of whom are juggling full-time jobs along with the challenges of raising children, while also caring for elderly parents.
The cost of caregiving to businesses is currently estimated at a whopping $33.6 billion dollars a year. While many businesses don’t often think of caregiving as having an impact on the daily activity and productivity of their employees, the reality is that almost half of the current workforce expects to be proving eldercare in the next five years.
The number of older adults age 60+ in Frederick County is estimated at 47,708, according to the Maryland Department of Planning, Maryland Data Center, and is growing at a rate of three times that of the overall population.
The impact to businesses is already dramatic. For example:
- 65% of caregivers report arriving late, leaving early or taking time off during the workday
- 17% are forced to take a leave of absence from work
- 10% quit working or take early retirement
- 68% of employees make work accommodations for caregiving responsibilities (arrive late, leave early, take time off, reduce work hours change jobs, quit)
Caregivers come in every age, gender, ethnic group and can be a spouse, family member, friend or neighbor.
Employers are increasingly likely to face challenges like work distractions, absenteeism, time away from primary responsibilities and requests to reduce work hours as the need for caregiving increases.
Frederick County has many resources already in place to help businesses and employees navigate their way through this shifting work climate. For businesses or individuals interested in learning more about the challenges and resources available, the below video is a great place to start.
For More Information:
Business Best Practices Toolkit
Department of Aging Resource Directory
Frederick County Caregiver Support Program
301.600.6001
CaregiverSupport@FrederickCountyMD.gov
Frederick County Senior Services Division
301.600.1605
SeniorServices@FrederickCountyMD.com
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.